Sample chapters

Troubleshooting Windows Startup and Shutdown Problems

• By Mark E. Russinovich, Kate Chase, Alex IonescuSep 15, 2012
• This chapter, from Windows Internals, Part 2, 6th Edition, describes the steps required to boot Windows and the options that can affect system startup.

Understanding the Windows I/O System

• By Mark E. Russinovich, Kate Chase, Alex IonescuSep 15, 2012
• This chapter from Windows Internals, Part 2, 6th Edition lists the design goals of the Windows I/O system which have influenced its implementation. It covers the components that make up the I/O system, including the I/O manager, Plug and Play (PnP) manager, and power manager, and also examines the structure and components of the I/O system and the various types of device drivers.

Visual Models for Software Requirements: Selecting Models for a Project

• By Anthony Chen, Joy BeattyJul 15, 2012
• This chapter from Visual Models for Software Requirements will help you select models for your project based on the project phase you are executing and the project characteristics. For each of these factors, we overlay the model categories to ensure that you consider all types of models.

Synopsis of "The Contents of a Requirements Specification"

• By Stephen WithallJun 13, 2007
• There’s no single right way to organize a requirements specification, but certain topics recur in most systems and deserve their own sections. This chapter from Software Requirement Patterns discusses what a requirements specification should contain.

Demystifying the Black Art of Software Estimation: What Is an "Estimate"?

• By Steve McConnellFeb 22, 2006
• When executives ask for an "estimate," they’re often asking for a commitment or for a plan to meet a target. In this chapter from Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art, Steve McConnell explains that the distinctions between estimates, targets, and commitments are critical to understanding what an estimate is, what an estimate is not, and how to make your estimates better.

Code Complete: Design in Construction

• By Steve McConnellJun 9, 2004
• Small projects benefit from careful design just as larger projects do, and recognizing design as an explicit activity maximizes the benefit you will receive from it.